The article explores Mongolia’s role in Russia’s foreign policy under growing Sino-Russian asymmetry. It argues that for Moscow, Ulaanbaatar’s importance has been largely shaped by its place in the broader Russia-China relationship rather than by Mongolia’s independent economic or military weight. The study first outlines the historical foundations of Russian and Soviet dominance, from Mongolia’s buffer function to its role as a forward strategic bastion during the Sino-Soviet split. It then traces the post-1991 downgrading of Mongolia in Russian priorities as troops, subsidies, and leverage receded. The next section documents China’s structural predominance in Mongolia’s trade, transit routes, and infrastructure-oriented investment, which increases Ulaanbaatar’s exposure to Chinese economic pressure. Against this background, the article assesses Russia’s current tools for maintaining political relevance – triangular formats, selective infrastructure and energy projects, and symbolic capital – while adapting to China’s superior capabilities.
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